Zulu Arts and Crafts
A quick overview of the major arts and crafts of historic Zulu societies.
Zulu people are part of the larger Nguni ethnic group of Southern Africa, a branch of the Bantu-speaking communities who migrated into the region around 1500 years ago. Despite the often harsh conditions they faced, these cultures survived, thrived, and diverged to form complex societies, each with its own traditions and philosophies.
The historic Zulu practiced many arts, most of which supported their day-to-day activities. They produced beautiful baskets, utensils, pottery, metal goods, and bead-work, and they used music and dance for worship and celebration. While the total artistic output of Zulu people could never be measured, and they are not a cultural monolith, this basic summary can provide at least a glimpse into their rich artistic heritage.
Zulu Wood-carving and Craftsmanship
In traditional Zulu societies, wood-carving and metal-working were two arts typically pursued by men. Stone-carving was also practiced. These crafts once provided most of the materials goods used by a household, such as stools, headrests, utensils, and other tools. While some of these objects could be made simple and unadorned, wealthier or creative individuals might invest in more elaborate pieces, such as the headrest pictured above.
Zulu Bead-working
Historic Zulu women practiced many arts as well, most notably beading, pottery, and basket-weaving. Beadwork ornamented outfits—the colors and patterns used told others about the status, home, and age of their wearer. The Zulu were especially renowned for their fine bead-working. In the past, certain types of beads could be reserved for royal families and their courts, but as trade with the outside world expanded, the variety of beads and patterns grew as well.
Besides their use in clothing and jewelry, beads were also once an important part of courtship and marriage. Young women beaded “love notes” to their suitors; the colors and patterns used could encourage or discourage a potential romance. Then, once a marriage was decided upon, beads were also typically included as part of a bride-price.
Like wood-carving, bead-working has grown less common in many but not all Zulu societies. In some areas, particularly more rural ones, women still decorate their outfits with hand-strung beads and create “love notes” for their partners.
Zulu Pottery and Basket-weaving
Pottery and Basket-weaving are two more well known Zulu arts, again practiced mainly by women. Baskets were historically woven from the fibers of the ilala palm, but more recently, the American sisal plant has become popular as well. Like beadworking, the patterns of a basket can speak volumes about its maker, intended owner, and even the intention of the basket-maker for its recipient. For example, the patterns of a basket can express a wish for good luck.
Zulu women also traditionally produce pottery, which is shaped by hand and then heated in small furnaces. Most Zulu pottery is dark-colored, with patterns sometimes reflecting ritual scarification. Pottery has survived as one of the most in-demand and lucrative of the Zulu arts, and so it is still commonly taught and practiced today.
Zulu Music and Dance
In addition to these visual arts, Zulu people across the centuries have also developed many styles of music and dance. Of these, perhaps the most famous dances are the Indlamu and Umhlanga. The Indlamu is a coordinated dance based on traditional Zulu war dances. Both men and women participate in the dance, which requires precise timing, group movements, and characteristic high-stepping kicks. The Umhlanga, or Reed Dance Ceremony, is an annual dance for unmarried women, celebrating chastity and marriage over an eight-day period. Thousands of young women still travel to the Ludzidzini Royal Village each year for the ceremony.
Modern Zulu Arts
The arts of modern Zulu people, of course, have expanded and changed over time. While many of their traditional arts and crafts are still taught to children, most are no longer necessary for day-to-day living. Instead, these artistic customs often support a busy tourism industry, allowing local artists to make a living through their heritage. Other Zulu artists have embraced modern media such as illustration, photography, film, digital music recording, and more. The extent to which historical Zulu arts influence their work depends on each individual artist, but they are all worth exploring!
Sources
Gillow, John. “Zulu Beadwork.” African Textiles: Color and Creativity Across a Continent, Chronicle Books, 2003, pp. 216–20.
Green, James. “Lidded Vessel.” The Met, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/321330.
Shoup, John. “Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East: An Encyclopedia.” Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East An Encyclopedia, ABC-CLIO, 2011, pp. 201–10.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
